Local law enforcement believes a rogue emu, which has been spotted multiple times in Greene County over the past several weeks, has made its way into Carroll County. According to Carroll County Sheriff, Ken Pingrey, the bird was last spotted over the weekend.
Emus are capable of covering large distances quickly, and Pingrey says the bird could have easily crossed back into Greene County. It was first sighted in Boone County nearly a month ago and has steadily traveled westward since. Pingrey expects sightings will likely increase as the fall hunting seasons get underway.
Based on its previous behavior, he believes the emu will pass through the county without issue. The bird is considered livestock by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and there are currently no plans to capture it. Pingrey does have a message for pheasant hunters who may encounter the bird.
Pingrey asks anybody who happens across it to keep their distance. Emus can cause serious harm to humans with their powerful legs and clawed toes. People who spot the large bird are asked to contact their local authorities as soon as possible to provide an accurate location.
